CLEVELAND -- Ariel Castro was back in court this morning for another pre-trial as both sides prepare for a scheduled Aug. 5 trial date.

The proceeding saw both sides spar over whether evidence is being supplied to Castro's attorneys in a timely fashion in order for them to prepare for his defense.

Prosecutor Tim McGinty and Castro's lawyers acknowledged in court that there have been plea discussions involving Castro. But failing a deal, both sides they are ready to go to trial in less than two weeks.

Castro is accused of holding Amanda Berry, Gina DeJesus and Michelle Knight captive for years.

The nearly 1,000 charges against him include murder, rape and kidnapping.

The three women were found alive in May after escaping a home on Seymour Avenue.

At his previous court appearance last Wednesday, a judge repeatedly ordered Castro open his eyes and look at her. After squinting through his eyes, Castro said he was "trying" to open them.

Today, Castro again kept his head down and eyes averted for much of the hearing. He did raise his head to answer the judge's questions about whether his attorneys were doing as he asked. Castro replied, "yes."